10 Best Family Things to Do in London
Where are the Fun Places in London to Take Your Family?
The best family things to do in London include beautiful parks, quirky museums, and theaters showcasing kid-friendly shows. While England’s capital is known for its historic structures and cosmopolitan settings, visitors young and old can find a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions.
Whether your little ones love toys or your teens want to experience enthralling history, London has it all. There are also many fun rides throughout the city, including a massive observation wheel offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the River Thames. And after a day of sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants with menus sure to satisfy picky eaters.
1. London Eye
One of the world’s largest Ferris wheels
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The London Eye, set on the cultural stretch of the South Bank, is a giant silver-white Ferris wheel that shoots high into the sky. Opened in the year 2000 to celebrate the millennium, this mighty modern marvel stands at a whopping 135 m tall.
Buy a ticket, and step inside a spacious oval-shaped passenger capsule. The 45-minute long tour gives you a pristine and unforgettable bird’s eye view of London’s skyline. Take in the stunning cityscape and have fun spotting all the places you’ve been, or are planning to go. Read more
Location: Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)870 990 8881
London Eye
2. Madame Tussauds
Famous faces from the past and present
Good for: Families, Photo
Do your kids want to see David Beckham? What about James Bond or Queen Elizabeth II? At Madame Tussauds, families can wander around the exhibits and see utterly life-like wax models of celebrities, singers, heroes, and historic figures from today’s pop stars to Charlie Chaplin.
See the famous faces of ages past, as well as some more contemporary celebrities. Take photos with your favorite of the over 150 figures that are on display over the 3 floors to commemorate “meeting” these famous folk. Read more
Location: Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 5LR, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)871 894 3000
Madame Tussauds
3. London Dungeon
A great place to test your bravery
Good for: Families, History, Photo, Unusual
This attraction is open to kids of all ages, but be warned, little ones may get frightened. Daring visitors are sure to find this spooky living museum an excellent balance of fright and fun. It’s a great day out for people who like to get a little spooky.
Immerse yourself in London’s murky past as you’re transported back in time by a blend of theatrical actors, moving stage-sets, and wacky rides. The London Dungeon creates an imaginative walk-through with exhibits on everything horror, from Guy Fawkes to Sweeney Todd.
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)20 7654 0809
London Dungeon
4. Young V&A
Toys galore at this kid-friendly museum
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Young V&A has exhibits to excite all ages, from 17th-century dolls’ houses to 1950s Scalextric racing cars. Little ones can frolic in the sandpit and ride rocking horses, while older kids make pictures from magnetic filings.
From the bright and airy central hall, step into the bright colors of the 3 main areas: Imagine, Play, and Design, to discover all the adventures the Young V&A has to offer. If you need some calm time after so much stimulation, head to the Reading Room, or for some food go to Town Square Café, which has special kids’ options available. Read more
Location: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.45 pm
Phone: +44 (0)20 8983 5200
Young V&A
5. Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
Traditional, handmade toys at this specialist store
Good for: Families, Shoppers, History
Handmade Jack-in-the-boxes and string puppets fill Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, a tiny specialist store in the lively Covent Garden market. It’s also one of the oldest toy shops in London, dating back as far as 1851. They pride themselves on their legacy, with many people who remember receiving toys from the toyshop returning with their children and grandchildren to share that joy.
With the help of contemporary artists, the store has its own range of quality toy theaters, bringing fairytales and classic theater to life.
Location: 44 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)20 7379 7866
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
6. Serpentine Lake
Rowing across the tranquil water
Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure
The Serpentine Lake at the vast Hyde Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with rowing boats and pedal boats for hire. They even offer electric pedalos, making pedaling easier for you. In the summer months you can enjoy a dip at the Serpentine Swimming Club, and there’s a paddling pool for little ones.
Take a walk around the lake to get your steps in while you take in the beauty of the park and the fascinating little details around it, like the ornate dam, statues, and beautiful bridges.
Location: Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)300 061 2000
Serpentine Lake
7. Unicorn Theatre
Puppet shows and daytime storytelling for the little ones
Good for: Families
Unicorn Theatre is a purpose-built venue that has a year-round program of performances for a wide range of ages. Daytime storytelling, Shakespeare for teenagers, and puppet shows with a twist mark this family-friendly London venue.
Introduce children as young as 0 to the magic of theater with performances designed to engage and entertain. The excellent cast bring favorite storybooks to life, allowing kids to meet the friends they’ve only seen between the pages before. The website allows you to sort through by recommended age to find what you’re looking for.
Location: 147 Tooley St, London SE1 2HZ, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)20 7645 0560
Unicorn Theatre
8. Hard Rock Cafe
A world-renowned dining and entertainment venue
Good for: Families, Shoppers, History, Photo, Food, Nightlife
Hard Rock Cafe was actually founded in London, and this one keeps true to its Americana-obsessed tradition. Celebrate all things USA and rock and roll with guitars and iconic outfits on display and a menu packed with burgers, barbecue, and brownies. They’ve got everyone’s favorite treats.
Kids can enjoy fresh American cuisine from tasty New York-style sandwiches to finger-licking fried chicken while music-obsessed parents will get a thrill from all the rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. And who knows, your kids may get inspired, too.
Location: 150 Old Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QZ, UK
Open: Sunday–Friday from 11.30 am to 10.30 pm, Saturday from 11.30 am to 11 pm
Phone: +44 (0)20 7514 1700
Hard Rock Cafe
9. Discover Children’s Story Centre
Fun and adventure as fiction is brought to life
Good for: Families
Unleash your kids’ imagination at Discover Children’s Story Centre, where storytelling, dressing up, and the Story Trail entertains the under-12s. With larger-than-life exhibitions and interactive adventures, kids are bound to be held spellbound.
The ground floor and garden are open to all ticket holders, with lots of fun, book-themed play areas and exhibits including rocket ships, castles, magical trees, and even the tiger who came to tea. There are also fun events and workshops that you can book in advance. These change throughout the year and are suitable for different age ranges, so check the website to see what’s on during your visit.
Location: 383-387 High St, London E15 4QZ, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)20 8536 5555
Discover Children’s Story Centre
10. Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields
Brass rubbings and free lunchtime concerts
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The church of St Martin in the Field is a gorgeous 18th century building on a site that has been used for burials since Roman times. There are tours on Wednesday, and the grand interior makes an excellent setting for the concerts it hosts throughout the year.
To capture some of the history and elegance, try brass rubbing. Create a medieval knight in bronze, or a multicolored St George and the Dragon to take home. There are replica brasses of all sizes and levels, and different colors of metallic wax. Keep your ears open for free lunchtime concerts in the church hall.
Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ, UK
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (Closed Saturday)
Phone: +44 (0)20 7766 1100
Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields
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